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World Travel Guide > Guides > North America > United States of America > Arizona > Phoenix

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Things to see in Phoenix

Attractions

Phoenix Zoo

Over 1300 animals call the Phoenix Zoo home, including 200 species that are considered to be endangered. Visitors can learn about the zoo’s participation in survival plans for 37 species which are facing extinction, as well as enjoy the less serious events hosted throughout the year. Daily activities include camel rides, trips on a safari train, and the recent edition of a Koala exhibit gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with these cuddly creatures. A range of restaurants serve everything from pizzas to Mexican food, and coffee shop is the perfect watering hole for humans.

Address: , 445 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 85008
Telephone: +1 602 286 3800.
Opening times:

Jun–Aug daily 0700–1400; Sep–Oct daily 0900–1700; Nov–Jan daily 0900–1600; Jan–May daily 0900-1700.

Website: http://www.phoenixzoo.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Grayhawk Golf Club

A golf club may not be a typical sightseeing location for holidaymakers, but when that golf club is home to more PGA events and world tours than you could shake a five iron at, and regularly features in the USA’s top ten golfing locations, then visitors to Phoenix might just think again. The Grayhawk Golf Club is a favourite location of world class golfers who are spoilt for choice between the Talon and Raptor courses, and aside from the stunning views of the McDowall Mountains, visitors are treated to the culinary delights of the Quill Creek Cafe and the relaxing ambience of Phil’s Grill.

Address: , 8620 E Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale,
Telephone: +1 480 502 1800.
Opening times:

Book a tee time daily 0630 – 1900 (closed public holidays).

Website: http://www.grayhawkgolf.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park

These preserved ruins of a 1500 year-old native American Indian Hohokam village have been transformed into an interactive museum excavated ball court, recreated housing and reproduced canal structures, all of which are located along the length of an outdoor trail. Three purpose-built galleries feature educational displays, and a nearby theatre showcases an informative video, designed to provide visitors with an overview of the site. Regular special events and demonstrations are staged throughout the year, and the indoor displays are child friendly.

Address: , 4619 East Washington Street, Phoenix,
Telephone: +1 602 495 0901.
Opening times:

Tues-Sat 0900-1645.

Website: http://www.pueblogrande.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Arizona Science Center

Interactive displays and engaging scientific experiments make this visitor attraction an ideal location for an entertaining day out. Located in downtown Phoenix, this state-of-the-art facility offers visitors the chance to experiment with light, race their friends to the ceiling in pulley chairs or test their nerves by lying on a bed of nails. When the excitement gets too much, the adjoining IMAX cinema offers the latest films in spectacular 3D, while the ultra modern Dorrance Planetarium encourages visitors to sit back and enjoy a range of animated journeys into space.

Address: , 600 East Washington Street, Phoenix,
Telephone: +1 602 716 2000.
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1700.

Website: http://www.azscience.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Musical Instrument Museum

From the world’s largest playable sousaphone to a two-century-old Dhodro Banam from Nepal, the Musical Instrument Museum boasts the largest collection of musical instruments in the world. Sourced from more than 200 countries and territories, the collection is accompanied by performance footage that helps brings it all to life.

Address: , 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix,
Telephone: +1 480 478 6000.
Opening times:

Daily 0900-1700.

Website: http://www.mim.org
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Phoenix Art Museum

Located on North Central Avenue, the Phoenix Art Museum houses an inspiring collection of artistic talent in a wide range of media. Frequently changing exhibitions showcase everything from contemporary art, to photography and fashion. Visitors can take advantage of a unique opportunity to watch feature films in the museum’s own cinema or enjoy interactive discussions and debates with guest speakers. The museum’s main anthology boasts a vast number of pieces ranging from Asian art to Modern European collected works.

Address: , 1625 North Central Avenue (Central Avenue and McDowell Road), Phoenix,
Telephone: +1 602 257 1880.
Opening times:

Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat 1000-1700; Sun 1200-1700; Wed 1000-2100.

Website: http://www.phxart.org
Admission Fees:

Yes. Free admission Wed 1500-2100.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is a striking oasis in the vast Sonoran Desert. It is home to a plethora of cacti and other exotic plants, all arranged around winding trails and static horticultural displays. Throughout the year, visitors are invited to join the gardens in celebrating a variety of unique festivals, from the Dia de los Muertos celebration (Day of the Dead), to Las Noches de Las Luminarias (Night of the Candles) which sees the endless desert trails lit by thousands of flickering flames. The garden has a strong focus on conservation and education, but extends its displays to evening music events and even private wedding parties.

Address: , 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix,
Telephone: +1 480 941 1225.
Opening times:

Daily 0700-2000.

Website: http://www.dbg.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Taliesin West

This dramatic building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the celebrated American architect and designer, as his winter home. Today, an invitation is extended to the public to enjoy guided tours of this stunning personal residence. Taliesin West is run by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and also operates as a school of architecture. Tours are tailored to suit individual preferences and vary in length.

Address: Scottsdale, 12621 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Phoenix,
Telephone: +1 480 627 5340.
Opening times:

Mon–Sat 0830–1700 (Except Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter)

Website: http://www.franklloydwright.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Children's Museum of Phoenix

This huge non-profit museum enjoys an abundance of hands-on activities, separate areas for toddlers and preschoolers, and a variety of educational exhibits. The Children's Museum of Phoenix is ideal for children aged 1 to 10 and was recently named the third best children's museum in the US by the Early Childhood Education Zone .

Address: , 215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, 85034
Telephone: +1 602 253 0501.
Opening times:

Tues-Sun 0900-1600.

Website: http://www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Heard Museum

Located in the heart of Phoenix, this cultural favourite houses an impressive collection of Native American art and artefacts that depict how ancient traditions have inspired modern developments in art and technology. Visitors can take a break from wandering through the ten exhibition galleries to enjoy a southwest-inspired meal in the Courtyard cafe. The menu changes with the seasons, but there will still be plenty of corn or fried greens throughout the year. Round off a tour here with a visit to the museum’s shop which is home to the Berlin Gallery, a renowned retail outlet for contemporary Native American artwork.

Address: , 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix,
Telephone: +1 602 252 8840.
Opening times:

Mon–Sat 0930–1700, Sun 1100–1700. (Closed 1500 Christmas Eve and all day Christmas Day)

Website: http://www.heard.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Phoenix Visitor Information Center

Address: , 125 N 2nd Street, Phoenix, 85004
Telephone: +1 602 254 6500.
Opening times:

Mon-Fri 0800-1700.

Website: http://www.visitphoenix.com

Scottsdale Tourist Information Center

Address: Scottsdale, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 85251
Telephone: +1 800 782 1117.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 0900-1800, Sun 1000-1700.

Website: http://www.experiencescottsdale.com
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

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The Saguaro Scottsdale

Vibrant colours, handcrafted Mexican furniture and two outdoor pools help give this trendy hotel in Oldtown Scottsdale the va-va-voom factor.
Recently renovated, the hotel boasts 194 guest rooms, each furnished with a pillow-top mattress and 42-inch flat screen TV. Outside, a tropical garden sits between two outdoor pools and a margarita bar, stocking more than 100 varieties of tequila.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

This luxurious desert retreat's backdrop is in the dramatic McDowell Mountains, and has pools, fountains, falls and lagoons in its own grounds. A plaza and courtyard have a Mexican village style. Rooms are spacious, with a southwest theme and either a patio or balcony. Casitas include butlers. Amenities include a free kids’ club, golf concierge for its famous golf course, five restaurants, five pools, water slides and an indoor/outdoor lounge with live entertainment.

Four Seasons at Troon North

Everything you expect from a luxurious Four Seasons resort. The lobby is a living gallery of desert art. Accented with a desert motif, the spacious rooms include a fireplace and a balcony, often with picture perfect views. Marble bathrooms have deep soaking tubs. Accommodation is in casitas, small villas. Excellent cuisine is accompanied by sweeping desert views at Acacia, a contemporary steakhouse, and the southwest-flavoured Crescent Moon. Amenities include a spa and fitness centre, and two lounges.

The Phoenician

With US$25 million worth of art (there is a self-guided tour), this hotel is opulent. The grounds have a large cactus garden, nine pools (some shaped like grand pianos) and a golf course. The hotel's restaurants range from epicurean, with a wine list of 4,500, to an ice-cream parlour and tea court. Airy rooms feature Berber carpeting, Irish linens, as well as rich and oversized Italian marble bathrooms. Not to be missed is its plush spa with a complete treatment menu, and the unusual addition of Tarot card readings.

Orange Tree Golf Resort

This hotel complex, on one of Scottsdale's popular golf courses, offers plenty of luxury for the discerning guest with a slightly less discerning budget. The décor is newly renovated and modern, and has 160 suites, all with a balcony or patio. The facilities include fitness and sports centre, swimming pool and golfing lessons. The poolside bar serves lunch and the golf restaurant is an alternative destination for dinner.

Arizona Biltmore Resort

Since 1929, this has been the place for celebrities, dignitaries and presidents. Spread over 16 hectares (40 acres), structures are interspersed with gardens, nine pools (the Catalina was Marilyn Monroe's favourite) and Irving Berlin wrote White Christmas here. The grounds include: tennis courts, lawn chess, croquet and two championship golf courses. Guests will find earthy-toned, spacious accommodation, large marble bathrooms and excellent service. Light meals are available at a café in the hotel's plaza.

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